ISLAMABAD: Chief Coordinator of COMSTECH Prof Dr M Iqbal Choudhary said on Friday that SESAME could change the scientific landscape of the entire Middle East and OIC region forever.Opening a two-day meeting of OIC SESAME users, Professor Choudhary said that SESAME (Synchrotron Light for Experimental Science in the Middle East) is the most important and expensive scientific facility in the entire developing region. He said that SESAME is a complex, expensive and impressive facility in the OIC region. He expressed his gratitude to the Jordanian government for hosting this institution.Professor Choudhary said that by using this huge infrastructure, scientists will not only be able to conduct experiments much better, more precisely and more efficiently, but will also be able to conduct scientific research that is not possible without such equipment. He said that OIC-COMSTECH is happy to work with SESAME and its users to facilitate its use in LDCs. Professor Choudhary mentioned that COMSTECH provided 25 travel grants annually to SESAME users from LDC and OIC countries. Jordanian Ambassador Dr. Maen Khreasat as the chief guest at the opening session said that our common focus is on the future and advancing our understanding of the scientific and technological wonders of synchrotron beams and their various applications.He said that SESAME is a sign of cooperation that brings together the minds of all OIC member states to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.Dr. Khreasat said that Jordan, as the host country of SESAME, has played a key role in fostering an environment that encourages research and cross-cultural collaboration. He said Jordan is committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of SESAME.Dr. Khreasat said that the partnership between COMSTECH and SESAME is an excellent example of diplomacy through science. This collaboration is a testament to the belief that working together we can overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for all. He said that the cooperation between COMSTECH and SESAME is promising in the Middle East.Dr Khreasat said it was important to highlight the bilateral relationship between Jordan and Pakistan while celebrating the achievements of SESAME. The ties between these two nations are deeply rooted in history, culture and shared values.He said that Jordan and Pakistan can explore opportunities for joint research initiatives, academic exchange and technology transfer. He said: Let us continue to build both scientific and diplomatic bridges and work towards a future where the search for knowledge knows no boundaries.The guest of honor was Dr. Abdur Noor Sekendi, Director General of Science and Technology of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia. He appreciated COMSTECH’s organization of the SESAME users’ meeting. He said that SESAME is a beacon of cooperation.He said that through such cooperation we can help overcome challenges and encouraged the meeting participants to create networks to strengthen cooperation.UK representative on SESAME Council, Professor Dr. Samar Hasnain said in his lecture that SESAME brought together scientific development, economic prosperity and people. He shared the economic impact of SESAME. He complained that, unfortunately, we are mostly consumers of information, not creators of information.He appreciated the emerging partnership between SESAME and COMSTECH for the development of science in the OIC countries. The main speaker was Prof. Dr. Atef Elkadime, Head of Administration of SESAME. He gave a comprehensive presentation on the creation, history, achievements and future plans of SESAME.He invited everyone to visit SESAME and benefit from the facility in their research. Experts from the UK, France, Jordan and Pakistan gave lectures, while more than 100 participants attended the event in person and online.
